Affordable Care Act - Individuals

Generally, uninsured individuals who purchase health insurance through an online health insurance marketplace or exchange and have income no greater than $94,200 for a family of 4, may be eligible for a government subsidy to help pay for health insurance.
The subsidy will be in the form of a tax credit.The credit or subsidy will be applied to your insurance premium when you purchase it in 2014.
To figure out if you’re eligible for a subsidy, you need to determine your household size and household income and see where it falls within the federal poverty line.
Subsidies are available up to 400% of the federal poverty line. Up to 133% of the federal poverty line, a family needs to devote 2% of its income towards the premium, with the balance subsidized by the government. The subsidy then decreases as income goes up.

If you can’t afford health insurance, subsidies are provided. The Affordable Care Act is designed to provide a subsidy or tax credit to low and middle income individuals so they can afford to buy health insurance. People who purchase insurance through an exchange may be eligible for the Premium Assistance Credit.
The credit is refundable and payable in advance directly to the health insurer. The individual will then pay the difference between the total premium and the credit. For employed individuals, the premiums can be made through payroll deductions. Direct subsidies are also available.

1- Health Insurance Marketplace referred to as a health exchange. it began in 2014, this program helps a person find health insurance that fits their budget. The exchange is run by the state or federal government and it results in a private insurance policy.
2- Job-based coverage is when employer offers health insurance coverage. You may be eligible to receive it, including your spouse or dependents. Employers may decline coverage for certain reasons such as for part-time workers, but not for health related reasons.
3- Medicaid: Each state offers Medicaid for lower income people or for the elderly or people with disabilities.
4- Private policy: these health plans will cost the same whether acquired directly or through an insurance exchange. Subsidies will apply only if you are using an insurance exchange.

Individuals will need to carry health insurance beginning in 2014 unless they meet an exception: Exemptions will be granted for: Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold ($9,750 single; $19,500 married filing joint), Individuals whose lowest cost plan option exceeds 8% of household income, those claiming financial hardship or claiming religious objections.
Individuals without coverage for less than 3 months and Aliens not lawfully present in the United States or American Indians or Incarcerated individuals.